Hike Grading System

Every hike that ComeHike arranges is given a grade. The grade indicates the difficulty and level of exposure of the hike. Hike gradings are assigned by the hike leaders after collectively assessing factors such as distance, terrain, elevation gain and technical difficulty.

The grading system was designed by the late Mike Lundy, a veteran hike leader who had enormous hiking experience. By taking note of the grading, hikers can choose hikes that match their abilities and experience. The grading system is based on the two factors of a hike that are most commonly used to establish a hike's difficulty.

The number in the grade represents how tough the hike is physically. The actual duration of the hike is not considered here, as the duration of the hike is always indicated separately for every hike.

   1:   An easy stroll
   2:   Moderate
   3:   Strenuous exercise
   4:   Only for the very fit

The letter represents how exposed hikers are to heights. The modifier sign (+ sign) indicates where a hike is between grades. 

   A:   No exposure to heights.
   B:   Mild exposure to heights. Some minor/easy scrambling may be involved.
   C:   Moderate exposure to heights. Scrambling is involved.
   D:   Very exposed to heights. Excellent competency in scrambling is necessary.

For example, a hike could be a difficult B, but not quite a C. The modifier is used to indicate this. Such as 2B+ or 3C+.

Hikers must always consider both the physical difficulty as well as the exposure to heights, as a particular hike may be an easy stroll, yet may contain a challenging piece of scrambling. Similarly a hike which seems to be flat may turn out to be on a really rugged surface.

Please note that our grading system is intended as a reference only and the club cannot guarantee 100% accuracy.